their prosperity. This is known as Ashirvad (आशीर्वाद). Prasthan In Prasthan (प्रस्थान), the gods are said to return to their heavenly abode at the stage of the Jagar. Exponents The exponents of the professional Jagar singing are highly respected. They have preserved these ballads of local gods through oral traditions, which are presently being recorded. Examples of famous Jagar singers include the following: Kesh Ram Bhagat Ganga Devi Uttam Das Rameshwari Bhatt Harda "Surdas" Joga Ram Kabutari Devi Manglesh Dangwal Mohan Singh Nain Nath Rawal Narayan Ram Pritam Bhartwan Ram Singh Mohan Ram Basanti Bisht Significance Behind the performance of Jagar is the deep belief of the people of Uttarakhand in divine justice and the law of Karma, which states that bad deeds shall be visited upon the doer and that justice will finally be delivered by the gods. Aside from their religious aspect, Jagar songs and singing styles are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. The ballads of the various gods sung during the Jagar are the part of the vast folk literature of the Kumaoni language and Garhwali language. These ballads are presently being collected for preservation. See also Garhwal Garhwali people Garhwali language Kumaon Kumaoni people Kumaoni language References External links http://www.beatofindia.com/forms/jagar.htm Culture of Uttarakhand Garhwal division Kumaon division